KNORK Flatware

KNORK Flatware is a great example of a large company learning to pivot towards more sustainable practices. After partnering with Method Sourcing, KNORK began to make small changes in their production and offices that reflect their growing dedication to sustainable initiatives. They've begun to reduce their waste by implementing electronic billing, recycling their packing supplies and boxes, and ordering low-waste or recycled office supplies. They've also begun reevaluating their product packaging, starting with the ECO line. Their new plant-based utensils are packaged fully without plastic in unbleached, recyclable kraft paper boxes. The utensils themselves are made from an innovative blend of 90% sugarcane, 10% bamboo, and a plant based, compostable binder made from corn, cassava, or sugarcane. Each utensil can be reused for up to a year, withstanding regular washes in the dishwasher or use in the microwave - but is also BPI certified compostable, breaking down in industrial facilities based on the ASTMD6400 standard for biodegradability. Plus, the bamboo used in each utensil is largely captured from furniture factory offcuts! KNORK ensures that each product is made in a responsibly managed facility as well. Their factories undergo at least one social audit per year, with the ability for any manufacturers to bring in 3rd party auditing at any time. The machines used to create their ECO line are reconfigured, redesigned machines that utilize older technology to create the new plant-based materials. The factory is also partially run by renewable energy - a win win! KNORK also participates in charitable initiatives, donating products to non-profit organizations that benefit people and the planet. One example is donating forks with cutting edges to Helping Hands Foundation, which helps families with children with upper-limb anomalies, as they know their ergonomic utensils can be helpful to those without use of both upper limbs. EarthHero believes that small actions can quickly add up, and supports companies that pivot to a more sustainable way of doing business.